-31st-
First Days Fight. My case
was launched in the Senate today
at 2 oclock and fought until 6
- for four hours my character, habits,
fitness, and judicial ability was the
storm center. When executive session
was called for at 2 oclock Nelson &
my enemies fought to prevent it, but
lost. Then they began to attack
me. Nelson, Pettus & McCumber
attacked - Piles, Hemenway,
Bailey & Foraker defended.
It was not settled at 6 oclock
and will come up again tomorrow.
Bailey has been requested to take
up my defence in the case of Nelson
v. Meehan, & I am to go up in the
morning and give him the authorities.
Piles says he is satisfied that we
will win without a dozen votes against
us, - but - well I wont quit until I
am out of the woods. I am greatly
moved by the strong friends who are
coming to my support, - from
most unexpected quarters.